1.   The partition left indelible marks, inequalities -- with the eastern region, ruled by Russia, remaining much poorer than elsewhere -- and resentments.

2.   Nonetheless, many Asians remain poorer than their white counterparts.

3.   They remain much poorer than their urban cousins and are among the most vulnerable to foreign competition.

4.   Vietnam, despite its high growth rates, remains significantly poorer than the former eastern bloc countries with a much simpler, mostly agricultural economy.